Schmoozing with Terrorists

From Hollywood to the Holy Land, Jihadists reveal their global plans to a Jew.

The people who kill Jews and other westerners for a living would
seem to be a bit hard for nice Jewish boy to sit down and chat
with about why they do what they do. But in Schmoozing with
Terrorists, Aaron Klein -- Jerusalem bureau chief for World Net
Daily -- shares the wide-ranging conversations he has had with
many of the top Arab Palestinian terrorist leaders in Israel
about exactly that topic.

Klein's conversations covered the gamut from why Hamas, Islamic
Jihad, and Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades endorse the use of
homicide bombing in light of the Koranic ban on suicide; to the
way in which the terrorist leaders nakedly reject documented
archeological and historical connections between Jews and Israel;
to the ongoing persecution of Christians by Muslims in Bethlehem,
Gaza and other cities.

Klein's style is conversational and personal: he never hides his
own perspective or the fact that he is an Orthodox Jew. And yet those whom he interviews, although occasionally bridling at some of Klein's questions, are perfectly
comfortable meeting with him and articulating their views and
goals.

The Arab Palestinian leaders with whom Klein spoke are very
candid about their dreams not only to wipe out Israel, but to
establish a worldwide caliphate.

The Arab Palestinian leaders with whom Klein spoke are very
candid about their dreams not only to wipe out Israel, but to
establish a worldwide caliphate. Their plans for American
society should awaken anyone who thinks the Arab terrorists are
only Israel's problem. And it should also smack awake all the
moral relativists who equate Israel's security measures with
hegemonic brutality.

A deputy commander of Fatah's al Aqsa Martyrs Bridade, Nasser Abu
Azziz, explained to Klein that when sharia law is imposed in
Western countries, "these sick people [homosexuals] will be
treated in a very tough way," explaining that the Islamic
leadership will "prevent social and physical diseases like
homosexuality." All the terrorists whom Klein interviewed agreed
that homosexuality would not be tolerated in the US once Islam
rules.

And homosexuality is not all they condemn. The failure of
western women to conform to Islamic standards of dress will reap
harsh responses including, if necessary, torture. Sheik Hamad, a
Hamas cleric, said those women who refuse to cover themselves in
conformity with Islamic values would be punished either by
imprisonment, whipping or stoning. And we aren't just talking
about Madonna's bustiers: under the standard described by
Klein's interviewees, even Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg -- who does in fact wear a robe -- would be a target for
stoning. She's omitted the head covering.

Given the opportunity to explain the source of Arab Palestinian
terrorism, Klein's subjects contradict standard lore. Klein was
told by Abu Ayman, the commander of Islamic Jihad in Jenin, that
Muslims are strictly forbidden from becoming suicide bombers if
they are motivated by anything -- including desperate poverty or
revenge for Israeli wrongdoing to this individual -- other than
love of Allah. When Klein pointed out to a young man in training
to become a "martyr" CNN's claim that suicide bombing was
motivated by poverty and despair, Abu Ahmed was visibly affronted
and called it "Israeli propaganda."

The most bizarre and brazen interview Klein describes is with
Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, the chief Palestinian Justice and one of
the most important clerics in the Middle East. Tamimi lectured
Klein that "there is no Jewish historic connection whatsoever to
the Temple Mount or Jerusalem," and that the "Jews came to the
[Temple area] in 1967 and not before."

Tamimi responded to Klein's recitation of archeological findings
and historical connections: "These archeological things you cite
are lies." Tamimi simply erases Judaism's connection to the Holy
Land by ignoring irrefutable and concrete evidence of
inconvenient facts. Such distortions are particularly troubling
because Tamimi is an enormously influential Imam whose view of
history is eagerly imbibed by his followers. Echoing Tamimi is
Nasser Abu Aziz whose rhetoric, while perhaps inelegant, was
crystal clear: "We are fed up with this crap nonsense of the
Temple Mount."

Klein's interviews show that Palestinian leaders have also, and
repeatedly, perpetrated a vile hoax on their acolytes. The myth
of the seventy-two virgins in paradise who await each martyr is a
theme echoed and believed by those who extol and consider suicide
bombing an option. Klein's subjects do not explain how the
appetite for virgins fits with the love of Allah as an incentive
for becoming a suicide bomber.

When asked about the source for the promise of the 72 virgins, Ala Senakhreh, West Bank chief of Fatah's Martyrs
Brigade, insisted such a promise was made in the Koran. When
pressed about where exactly that promise could be located,
neither Senakhreh nor any of his dozen henchmen clerics present
could find such a passage. After much anxious searching, the
Sheik became increasing hostile and Klein quickly left. He had
apparently discovered the point at which the terrorists'
hospitality collided with their refusal to be questioned closely
about their ideological weapons.

I worry that this enlightening and highly readable book may not
reach as many readers as it should because its name and title
undercut its serious subject. The word "schmoozing" is known by
and appeals to a rather limited audience. The cover picture
shows a large grenade seated on a leather armchair. Perhaps the
picture is easy shorthand for what he did, but there is something
lighthearted about it that undercuts the gravity of Klein's book.

Nonetheless, and in addition to the glimpses Klein provides, at
least two overarching questions are raised by this book.

are the rest of the journalists who call Israel their
beat unable to obtain the same information?

First, Aaron Klein, a product of Philadelphia suburban Jewish
religious schools, moved to Israel and within a few years was
able to gain audiences -- as an identified Jew and a journalist
-- with the most senior Arab Palestinian terrorists, who spoke to
him frankly about their plans and their views. This forces us to
ask: where is the rest of the press corps? If these murder
merchants happily speak at length about their desire to murder
and torture those who don't fit their religious profiles, why are
the rest of the hundreds of journalists who call Israel their
beat unable to obtain the same information? Do they prefer to
stick with the standard mendacious narrative, either because they
believe it or because they are too afraid to approach the
terrorist leadership? Neither answer says anything favorable
about the press corps.

Second, why are all those on the political left, those who
identify themselves as advocates for minorities, so convinced
that Israel is the villain and the Arab Palestinians are the
victim? Anyone who claims to favor women's rights, gay rights,
ideological tolerance, freedom of the press, of speech, of
association, of religion, in fact, nearly all of the icons of the
political left, should logically support the Israeli narrative.
Instead, most of those in this country who fit the profile of the
left support the Arab Palestinian narrative. Yet Klein's
interviewees freely articulate their categorical rejection of the
ideas these groups hold dear. And when these people
categorically reject an idea, we're not talking polite
disagreement over cocktails: we're talking beheading in the town
square, as Klein's interviewees state in plain English. Yet
these groups -- QUIT (Queers Undermining Israeli Terror) is my
own personal favorite -- continue to support terrorists who would
happily slaughter their western advocates if they attained the
power they seek.

While Klein's book doesn't answer these questions, it provides
the necessary proof that willful ignorance and cowardice play a
strong role in the current widespread distribution of sympathy
for the Arab Palestinian narrative.

Visitor Comments: 15

A fascinating book, indeed. I have no doubt that Mr. Klein has done Judaism and those who need to wake up to the reality of the Arab agenda a great service.

I take exception, though, to the notion perpetrated in your e-mailings that those of us on the political left must all be painted with a broad brush of stereotypical behavior.

I am a liberal and very proud to be so Ã¢â‚¬" no need on my part to re-name myself a "progressive". I believe in all the rights stated in your missive: women's rights, gay rights, ideological tolerance, freedom of the press, of speech, of association, of religion, in fact, nearly all of the icons of the political left. And as a matter of fact, I do support the Israeli narrative, as do many of my liberal friends. Jimmy Carter may be a liberal, but I have no problem declaring that he is seriously deluded about the nature and the truth of Israeli-Arab history.

Israel has been and continues to be the victim of Arab murderers. Period. But not all Arabs are murderers and you should not treat them as such.

Far too often, the religious and political right wing in the United States wrap themselves not only in the American flag, but the Israeli flag as well. YOU DO NOT OWN IT. Your love of Israel is not your exclusive property. My friends and family have long memories, especially about the murderous nature of the Arab extremists. I have had family in Israel since 1938 and they have all experienced Israel's history and fought to defend the Jewish State, yet they are no lovers of the political rightists in Israel who see only a future of dispair and permanent war. They also know quite a number of Arabs, none of whom has told them that they want anything other than to live in peace with Israel.

One of my relatives who lives in both Israel and Germany has developed a highly successful program that brings together Jewish and Arab children and teenagers for workshops and activities in which they spend weeks together learning about each other and getting to like each other, free of the propaganda on either side of the Middle East dilemma. As they get to understand each other, they get to trust one another. She is lighting candles of hope, rather than cursing the darkness.

The Arab world is at war with itself. It bleats out antisemitic rants in a desperate attempt to maintain the fiction that Israel, nay, every Jew, is their mortal enemy. It does so to divert the attention of their peoples from the near total failure of Arab governments and Islamic institutions to provide them with a better life. Fatah is at war with Hamas. Sunnis are at war with Shiites. The Egyptian government, unlike Israel's Moslem ally Turkey, has failed to show its people that secular Islam has more to offer than religious immersion. It is no surprise that the mullahs and political gangleaders with whom Mr. Klein met lapsed into sputtering fury when he caught them in their own contradictions about murder solely for the "love of Allah".

Virtually all of your e-mailings start out on a reasonable note but then toward their end descend into hard-hearted intransigence about Arabs. They sink into stereotypes. I have no doubts whatsoever that one has to keep on one's guard against the inhumanity of Hamas, Al Qaeda, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Mahdi Army and a host of other thugs masquerading as the light of their peoples.

Prior to 1967, the world saw Israel as brave David. Today, through the lack of Israel to speak eloquently about its cause in the world press, we have the relentless Islamic noise machine trying to cast us as Goliath. Israel must find its voice again. It must find minds and speakers who present Israel's case with the eloquence of an Abba Eban, not the vitriol of Benjamin Netanyahu, not the bull-in-the-china-shop attitude of Sharon.

The Islamists can try to deny the truth of history all they want. They can spit and splutter and weave their own fantasies of denial of the eternal nature of the Jewish Homeland. In the end, they make fools of themselves. Let us not despair in the face of their noise and give them credence by doing so. Ultimately, everyone wants to live in peace, to earn a living, to get along. Yes, even the average Arab. To offer peace is never a sign of weakness. We all know Israel has a mighty sword in its other hand.

(14)
Richard Friedman,
February 29, 2008 2:27 PM

Media restricts such dialog from being published

In my own dialogs with several international Journalist, I have heard that they all were restricted from publishing frank dialogs with and the many undeniable FACTS about the terrorists. There were film and interview opportunities readily available outlining the entire plan for the recent Intifada, plus copies of the Palestinian hate campaigns that were paid for with US, Canadian and EU funds under the teach peace programs that brought in several Billion $ to the PA; all of which were available to journalists IN ADVANCE, yet no media outlet would publish it.

Seems strange considering how well it would have sold - nothing short of prime news that would have blown the ratings off the charts for any medai company.

It obviously has to do with the por-Palestinean bias that the [ corporate] media continues to hold, despite the glaring facts that support the potential extinguishment of the very freedom of the press that this country was founded on.

In short the media rights like the gay or other freedom of expression would surely (as your article expresses)be outlawed. This is one of the many facts that proves that the media is restricted and deliberately biased in favor of the 'poor Palestineans' who want to kill us infidels along with the many infidels who they have brainwashed into supporting them.

Further why are rioters and Terrorists constantly referred to in the media as 'militants'...? Surely they would not be called that if they appeared with similar aggressions on the white house lawn.

Another obvious fact is that these 'militants' are supplied with small arms and sophisticated weaponry including missiles that only could be purchased and transported with the approval and support and training provided by a foreign government.

Why does the media fail to acknowledge that it is in fact a proxy war against Israel financed by it's neighbors?

How about the Whabi party's influence on virtually ALL Islamic education...? Who pays for the Islamic Centers, think-tanks, and how do they control most if not all of the Universities Islamic studies programs that imbue students with the falsehood that Thomas Hobbs proclaimied would never prevail in a truly free press....?

So why are accredited journalists not permitted to publish these and any other FACTS that might let the public see what is really going on...?

who controls er...ugh.... I mean 'influences' the press on this topic so well...?

(13)
Howard,
February 28, 2008 2:53 PM

Haven't we learned anything from 8 years.

Go back 15 years, Clinton is president, we have a Palestine Authority, trade and uneasy relations, and ongoing peace talks. Things are reasonably good for Israel and the U.S. Ongoing negotiation and meetings help resolve issues, facilitate peace, and postpone weightier, insoluble issues.

Move 8 years ahead, the Republicans, Ariel Sharon, and they say, Wait till we get in, you'll see what we can do. We are going to set rules about what our adversaries can do, who we talk to, we dictate to them and straighten them out.

After 8 years, we see the failure of George W. Bush's policies which did what the writer and others suggested. Radical Islam became stronger, splinter groups increased their influence. GEORGE W. BUSH AND HIS NONNEGOTIATION POLICIES WERE THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM.

We have to return to the policies which succeeded, ongoing negotiations, meeting, carrot as well as stick (money spent for reconstruction and aid in Arab countries would have increased US credibility and cost 1/10000 of the cost of the Iraqi war), and recognizing that minimizing tensions is an end in itself. Six presidents (and three Jewish Secretary of States or envoys) who engaged in diplomacy, Nixon, Bush, Sr., Ford Reagan, Carter, Clinton, are not wrong, and one feeble-minded president, Bush, Sr. who said we don't negotiate with people we do not like is not right. Nixon one of the best friends of Israel negotiated with Syria.

Please don't identify yourselves with the failed policies of the Bush administation.

(12)
Raymond,
February 28, 2008 1:35 PM

The Answer

Rabbi Berel Wein provided the answer to a similar paradox. Why the french are simultaneously anti-arab and pro-palestinian.The answer he said, is because they dislike the Jews more than the Arabs.

(11)
Anonymous,
February 28, 2008 1:27 PM

Why Klein got the access he did

I expect that Aaron Klein was able to get information that the rest of the press corps is unable to get specifically BECAUSE he is an Orthodox Jew. Anything he says or writes can be written off as lies and Israeli propaganda.

(10)
Anny Matar,
February 27, 2008 4:22 AM

This article shows clearly the reality of Jew who hopes to find approval in the Arab world

Throughout the ages the Jew in the Diaspora has been trying to find a way into the "hearts" of the world around them, to be accepted -admitted into their midth- in short become like them.I persnally think that they represent the greatest dager to ISRAEL and are our 5th. column.They foul their own home, their nest, sit within it -hold Israeli Passports- and sing within that fouled nest hoping that their songs of betrayal be accepted with love by those who are our declared enemies. I have seen that happen with Jews who were GERMANS of Mosaic belief. They fought for Germany, felt German, became Christians all to no avail, as we well know.If all those who support the Arab's rights today could see themselves through Moslem's IDEALISTIS eye, through the eyes of those who willingly sent their children to die for THEIR cause, he would see how he is being mocked. He is cerainly looked upon as a traitor to his people but, ceratinly a most welcome mouthpiece by our deadly enemies who are doing nothing but planning how we, here in Israel, can be murdered "en masse", the more the merrier.HOW UNGREATFUL CAN OUR PEOPLE BE, THE SECOND GENERATION AFTER THE HOLOCAUST!!!! I KNOW THAT HAVING SURVIVED I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE AND AM PROUD OF THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENT HERE,let the boot lickers enjoy the mud they lick. Against all odds WE WILL BE HERE TO TELL THE TALE.

(9)
Anonymous,
February 25, 2008 9:23 PM

QUIT

to QUIT (Queers Undermining Israeli Terror): those who lick the boot that kicks them will bite the hand that feeds them

(8)
Ken Sigel MD,
February 25, 2008 7:33 AM

It is not too difficult to understand why leftists support the Palestinians who would persecute them if given the chance. Their antisemitism supersedes their rationality.

(7)
karen dahl,
February 25, 2008 7:19 AM

mis-read

Bad translations have a lot to answer for...

The ramifications of shoddy translations for the people of the book are horrendous.

We reap the bad harvest of many generations of the misappropriation of the holy lore rooted in the dissemination of distorted manuscripts and poor interpretations/translations.

Real talks need to happen, it's nice that it's beginning.

(6)
Andy,
February 24, 2008 7:04 PM

wake up

," gay rights, ideological tolerance, freedom of the press, of speech, of association, of religion, in fact, nearly all of the icons of the political left, should logically support the Israeli narrative. Instead, most of those in this country who fit the profile of the left support the Arab Palestinian narrative" I think because Palestinians are living under what they refer to as the "Jewish occupation" the left, the vast majority of whom do not hold that Jews have a God given opportunity to do mitzvahs and settle the land and also understand that the Palestinians cannot hold their heads high in the Arab world as long as there is a Jewish State in the Mideast. If God forbid Israel ceases to exist as a Jewish State I suspect those leftists will then take up the cause of the surviving Jews.

(5)
Eva Feld,
February 24, 2008 5:28 PM

MUSLINS & WOMEN

With all the intolderances, abnomitions against against what women should and should not wear, do and say, and their role in society. Pray tell how do all the babies get born? Do the Jihadist, Muslims share the birthing process? Interesting concept, how do they do that? One pregnancy his and one hers... terrific concept. Do they share their secrets. Hey I was raised in Palestine/Israel too. I played with Muslim children in the same sand box, at times we even shared homework answers (their education under the British nums was even worse that awful/horrible) but we all shared, even sandswiches and goodies. What did we know. Somehow later we knew the difference between THEM and US and you know something, it hurt. Respectfully, Eva Feld

(4)
Sherry C.,
February 24, 2008 4:00 PM

Appeasement

Leftist groups want to appease these terrorists but they will soon wish they hadn't! Every time I hear a favorable comment about the poor Palestinian terrorists, I picture that commentor being taken into custudy by the very ones they defend to be tortured or worse. This article is very on target about the left's misinformed ideology and misguided attitudes toward Israel. And to think, it may very well be a Jew who will come to their defense one day.

(3)
Barbara,
February 24, 2008 3:48 PM

Islam is based on terror

Terrorism is natural for Islam. Muhammad was a warrior who claimed to be a prophet. But there is no evidence that he was a prophet. He did not prophesy about the future and unlike Hebrew prophets he did not even know when he was about to die. What he did know was how to use a sword and how to inspire others to fight. That was his talent. We often hear that jihad is actually an inner fight for spiritual purity. This sounds so noble but I can't find any reference to that in my Qur'an. All the verses about fighting and warfare that I can remember involve the sword. Warfare is commanded in the Qur'an, with Muhmmad using bribes and threats to motivate the troups. And they claim it's a religion of peace! The promise of virgins in paradise is like prostuiton; except that instead of giving money for sex, they give their lives for it. What a pathetic corruption of the truth.

(2)
Anonymous,
February 24, 2008 12:18 PM

Good article

I admire Klin's courage.I would have chosen a different name(something more to the point, powerfull and eye catching)for the book. I believe there are many report(on T.V) and some books have been written about the great plans of distruction and backwardness, these poor uneducated terrorist have. These backward people call themselves Freedom Fighters,and for the life of me, I still have not been able to understand why and how?

(1)
Daniela,
February 24, 2008 10:25 AM

It's really very simple, but not seen -

Leftists for many decades have carried their own unique brand of racism - that anyone with the slightest darkness in their skin must be an underdog or downtrodden and therefore regardless of their activities or position must be defended and excused, no matter what. The sad fact is that the reason the Western press refuses to report the truth about Israel and its terrorist enemies is that the real victims are perceived as white and the terrorists are darker and don't wear formal army uniforms. They're terrified it would make them look biased toward a "wealthy" white population. What do they care that half of Israel's population look similar to Arabs ? No one in the West knows this except people who have been to Israel. And let's not forget that we're talking about a single religious Jew that no one would believe anyway, as opposed to a press corp that have to be screened and warned properly by Arab leaders if they're going to get any stories at all. Remember the CNN fiasco ? Remember also the journalist who was going to send out a video of terrorist activity on the West Bank that the PA didn't like, when he was told, "release that video and we cannot guarantee your safety!" Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe CNN's main West Bank correspondent is Arafat's niece ! But sad to say, despite all of this, it still would be very tough to convince most people in this 30 second sound byte world that the underdog in a war is a nation of white people with a formal army.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...